AU Optronics (AUO) today announced a series of e-paper products, including a 20-inch e-paper module and a 6-inch flexible e-paper. AUO plans to offer flexible e-paper samples in 2010, and relevant e-paper technologies will be showcased at FPD International 2009, held in Yokohama Japan, from Oct. 28-30, according to the company.

After marking the worldwide debut of its 6-inch touch function e-book reader in Display Taiwan 2009 in June, AUO launched its first 6-inch flexible e-paper technology in October. Adopting Sipix's Microcup technology, this flexible e-paper incorporates a plastic substrate, so that the display can be repeatedly bended, allowing it to match even more closely the functionality of real paper. The flexible e-paper is portable and unbreakable, significantly increasing the product's durability, the company said. While the curved radius of this e-paper reaches 100mm, it remains flexible and features 16 gray levels, a 9:1 high contrast ratio, and a reflectance of 33%. In terms of power consumption, there is no electricity required during reading and it consumes power only when the image is updated. Using the roll-to-roll manufacturing process, the technology allows for the commencement of volume production with higher yield rates, making it more cost-competitive. The size of the flexible e-paper is able to be tailor-made based on customers' needs. AUO expects to distribute samples to customers in 2010 and to start volume production then.

AUO's 20-inch EPD (electrophoretic display) module is ready for mass production, it said. It will be for future applications in public information display because of its ability to eliminate backlight. It also features low power consumption of less than 2W as well as 16 gray level capabilities.

Other EPD applications to be exhibited in FPD International 2009 include 2-inch electronic shelf label (ESL), and 6-inch and 9-inch touch function built-in e-book displays. Since the 2-inch ESL uses active matrix equipped bi-stable image characteristics, label images can be maintained for at least one month without electricity supply on the shelf. With the in-cell touch functions and embedded single chip solution, the debut 9-inch e-book display provides a 1024x768 high-definition screen. AUO also debuts its 2-piece 6-inch e-book with foldable design. Consumers can combine e-book reading with a traditional reading experience, it said.

CT Liu, senior VP and GM of consumer product display business group of AUO, said, "AUO holds the advantage of having integrated technologies and manufacturing capabilities. With the fully supported panel capacity in the different generations of fabs, AUO applies its 4G lines to produce e-tags, 5G lines for 6-inch to 10-inch e-book panels, and 6G or 7.5G to produce e-signage display panels. In the near future, AUO will continue to provide customers with full-range services that lead the industry."

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